Shopping for Kids at Christmas

candy-caneChristmas is a truly magical season that is enjoyed by many but no one enjoys the Christmas season more than kids. It might be the prospect of some well deserved time off from school, the allure of the lights and decorations, the beauty of the snow that often accompanies Christmas or just the anticipation of Santa and his sleigh filled with toys that is so exciting for children but it is evident that most kids are truly enchanted by Christmas. For this reason many adults truly enjoy shopping for kids and Christmas time.

While Christmas shopping for kids is a great deal of fun there are some factors to consider when Christmas shopping for kids. A few of the specific concerns include selecting age appropriate toys, selecting toys which are not too noisy or too big for the child’s living situation, selecting toys the child does not already have, selecting toys which the parents consider to be acceptable and finally selecting toys the child will enjoy. This can make Christmas shopping for kids a little more difficult but does not make the shopping any less fun.

Selecting age appropriate toys

It is important because toys which are designed for older children might be potentially dangerous for the younger child. For example toys which are designed for children over the age of three may contain small pieces which pose a choking hazard. Children under the age of three are still prone to putting toys and other objects in their mouths so they must receive toys that have only pieces large enough to not be a choking hazard. Manufactures generally clearly make that information available with the toys.
Also, toys which are designed for an older child or even a younger child may not be as much fun for the child as they would be for children of the appropriate age. If the child is too young for the toy, they may become easily frustrated because they can’t use the toy appropriately. Conversely a child who is too old for a particular toy may become bored with the toy quickly.

Consider the child’s available space and the living situation.

This includes the size of the living area and the proximity to neighbors. Especially toys which are particularly noisy may not be appropriate for a child who lives in an apartment building. Also, large toys such as a trampoline may not be appropriate for a child who does not have a yard large enough to accommodate such a gift. Similarly large indoor items such as a toys requiring a table setup would not be appropriate for a child who does not have a dedicated toy room or similar to accommodate such a large item. As a general rule it is best to stick with small items that don’t make a lot of noise when Christmas shopping for kids.

Consider the parents personal beliefs.

Specifically you should not purchase an item for a child if you know their parents are ethically opposed to such as item. Guns and violent video games are a couple of obvious example of Christmas gifts which may offend the parents. There are many parents who do not allow their children to play with these items because they believe they promote violence. If you are not sure about the feelings of the parents, it is best not to choose these toys.

Consult the parents beforehand.

This can be extremely helpful. The parents can give some insight into the child’s hobbies and interests which makes selecting a gift easier. They can suggest a specific item from the child’s Christmas list ensuring you are giving the child something he really wants for Christmas.
Consulting the parents can also prevent you from giving the child a gift he already has. Try calling the parents before you make a purchase to suggest a particular item. They can let you know if they think the child will enjoy the item or if the child already has it.